OPTIMAL STRUCTURE OF THE MICROCIRCULATORY BED

Based on the principle of minimum power, a mathematical model of the s tructural organization of the microcirculatory system is presented. Th e optimization model minimizes the power expenditure of the heart, bon e marrow and the power expenditure in blood carrying. The structure of the microcirculatory bed in the heart, lung and skeletal muscles is c onsidered. The optimal number of capillaries arising from one terminal arteriole is determined depending on oxygen transport parameters. Art erial blood volume as a function of body weight is also determined. Th eoretical results are compared with experimental data for man.